Western Illinois University celebrates its 85th Homecoming Week, "Rocky Loves the 90s," Oct. 11 through Homecoming Day, Oct. 18 with a traditional lineup of activities that challenge residence hall complexes and student organizations to show off their school spirit.

In addition, Western's annual Homecoming Day Parade has a new starting time this fall, which is 10:30 a.m. The route remains the same.

Saturday is scheduled for the annual Paint the Town and Spirit Day, when student groups begin to add colorful reminders to Macomb Downtown Square businesses that "Rocky Loves the 90s" and that the Leatherneck football team is ready for a "Blaze of Glory" - - as in Bon Jovi's 1990s song - - win over the Indiana State Sycamores on Homecoming Day, Oct. 18. At 1 p.m. Oct. 11, Western students are invited to show their spirit at the John MacKenzie Soccer Field and support the Leathernecks vs. UMKC. As part of Spirit Day, canned foods will be collected and donated to a local pantry.

Head to Everly Park lake on University Drive and Hwy. 67 at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 for the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta (rain date is 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at Everly Park), followed at 4 p.m. by Dec the Campus on the University Mall, where teams will decorate and display sandwich boards relating to the Homecoming theme.

Western Hall is the place for fun and laughs at 6 p.m. Oct. 14, when the Variety Show takes center stage; and at 7 p.m. Oct. 16, it's the Yell Like Hell pep rally, with cheers and dances to pump up the Leatherneck football team and the student body.

A Rocky's Donation Station will be available to student groups after the Oct. 14 Variety Show and after the Oct. 16 Yell Like Hell assembly. The money collected will be donated to the charity of the winning team's choice.

Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 17-18, will welcome back alumni with a 5-10 p.m. Oct. 17 All-Alumni Social at the Alumni House. Homecoming Day (Oct. 18) is packed with activities, beginning with the Old Stompin' Ground Runaround 5K run and 2-mile walk. Registration ($10) for the run/walk will be 7-7:45 a.m. at the Alumni House, with the run/ walk beginning at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m. enjoy a continental breakfast at the Alumni House, and stay to watch the parade, which begins downtown Macomb at 10:30 a.m. From 12-3 p.m., enjoy an Alumni Cookout ($5) at The Right Place tent, directly west of Hanson Field. The menu includes burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, cupcakes, drinks and a cash bar.

Leatherneck football vs. Indiana State kicks off at 3:05 p.m. at Hanson Field. Tickets are available through the Alumni Association ($10), (309) 298-1914 or wiu.edu/alumni/events/homecoming, and through the WIU Athletic Ticket Office, (309) 298-1190.